A dark hour

[iScott]

Today is a day that will not soon be forgot. I sit here now in dire need of help and support, friends. Please read on.

Yesterday my audio system got a complete overhaul. New Alpine head installed. 4 new Alpine speakers installed. Only thing left to do was install my amp and sub via my previous car. So, when I awoke this morning; it was the only thing on my mind (after givin' me mum a big kiss, of course).

The dude at Best Buy was nice enough to prewire the RCA and remote wires back to my trunk when he did the overhaul on Saturday. So it was up to me to install the amp power cable to the batter, and to give it a good ground. To do this, I need first to somehow get the amp power cable through the firewall.

To make a loooong story short, after about 2 hours of brainstorming and failure, I finally drilled a hole through the two layers of firewall; just to the left of the master/brake cylinder. After this, it was a breeze and everything else went perfect. That is, until I started Noir'a up.

First thing I noticed was a really bad idle. Almost to the point of dieing. I figured it was from the battery being low due to it's new leech. I let her sit for a while. It got a LITTLE better. Next, I noticed that the brakes were VERY stiff. I took her around the block; no power brakes. Oh snaps.

I took her over to my uncles house; he knows his stuff. He concluded that, when drilling through the firewalls, I somehow cut a vacuum line that runs in that area. So, in the morning, I will be taking her to the local VW specialist for evaluation. This is, of course, after I put close to $650 on a Best Buy credit card.

On the bright side; the stereo sounds f'n great. If you've read this far; many, many thanks.

[bugsy98nb]

Ouch Bummers Scott Hopefully damage isnt too bad

[Breez]

You are not the first person to do this... it happens.

I am so sorry about you and Noira! I hope things work out and its not too much money.

[Toad]

Wow, that sucks dude. if it's only a vacuum hose it should be that much to fix.

[dnyed]

Toad! You really are crazier than James!

Yes, iScott, you are not the first one to do that. I hope it is easily fixed. Be careful driving, and good luck!

[SPIRU]

Yeah man hope its nothing too bad. Hey how can I get me one those there NB.org personal assistants?

[kcfoxie]

Oh dude this is nothing. When I installed a radio in my last VW I caught the back seat on fire with someone sitting on the backseat at the time. You'll be OK in the long run, but I totally so totally understand the failure of making one thing work at the expense of another. You've got my best wishes; but this will be quickly and easily fixed I'm sure

[Oyveychris]

Scott, I hope all goes well!

My old Cabriolet caught on fire (well the amp in the trunk did) while I was in traffic, so I'm feelin ya on the VW mishap...

[kcfoxie]

Did someone call you out for having a flaming car?

[marvins_dad]

Damn 98's and their lack of a factory hole in the firewall!!!

Hope it works out for ya and it doesn't cost too much!

[iScott]

Update:

Thank you all so dearly for your support! I does not go unnoticed, be assured.

Upon visual inspection, the local VW shop guy is diagnosing that I drilled through the brake booster, not merely just a line. His estimate: $600. I will be getting other opinions. I am in no position to pay this much right now. And, by looking at the Bentley, it does not look all that hard. I am sure the part is expensive, though.

The saga continues...

[Oyveychris]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

Did someone call you out for having a flaming car?

On more than one occasion! Someone wanted to know what I did with the high heels rack!

[iScott]

This is what I need; a brake booster. Between my uncle and myself, we should be able to do the work. This is def. what I drilled through. Looks exactly the same. I need your help in finding the best price for one. Thanks again.

[kcfoxie]

Scott - i'm sending postivie energy your way, man.

[marvins_dad]

Give the guys at www.1stvwparts.com a call - they show it for ~$160

https://www.parts.com/partlocator/in...98&catalogid=1

Call 1st VW Parts Toll Free at:
888-528-5280 extension 262
(Let Receptionist Know You're an Internet Customer)

[iScott]

It is my understanding that this brake booster is merely a place where air for the power brakes builds up pressure. If this is correct, then it would be valid to suggest this: Why don't I just take the son of a bitch out and weld the two holes shut?

...just an idea. But $160 (+super fast shipping) isn't bad for a new one.

[AmyJane]

Aww Scott!! Sorry bout Noir'a's boo boo! I wouldnt suggest welding the holes shut. Depending on how much pressure builds up in there the welds may not hold and then you'll have metal shooting everywhere and you may do even more damage. I dont really know what I'm talking about but common sense tells me its something that could possibly happen. I could be wrong...it's happened once or twice before
/me shuts my know it all button off now
Good luck!!

[jpdeuce]

You are correct and that would probably work. It may not be real thick metal so it may be a difficult weld. But it's worth the try for sure. Just make sure it's air tight.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by jpdeuce

You are correct and that would probably work. It may not be real thick metal so it may be a difficult weld. But it's worth the try for sure. Just make sure it's air tight.

How'bout silicone and duct tape!

[The Cheat]

www.germanautoparts.com
www.parts4vws.com

both should have it in stock. Plus side is, you can map out a better route for the power cable.